I installed new wheels and tires on my truck, which pushed the tires out about 1 to 2 inches. Since then I've noticed that the paint on my rocker panels is slowly being chipped away.

I'd love to get the rockers Line-Xed, but I just can't justify the cost at this point. So I'm looking at installing either flares or mudflaps and was wondering what others have done to minimize the damage to the rocker panels.

TIA

 

flares give much better coverage than flaps

 

I did both on mine...

 

I just dont like the look of mudflaps on single rear wheels. I would go with the fender flares for sure. I have the Bushwacker pocket flares and I like those.

 

I have mudflaps but think Flares with Flaps would protect the best.

Quick picture that I hope comes out.

 

I think flares are best since they go all the way around the fender wheel. I have had my tires release a rock or throw it forward and hit the front of the truck course i have neither as of yet.

 

I have flares, they protect a lot better than the flaps, I had before them. I also took Herculiner and did 3 coats on the rocker panels, up to the body line, that was on the old green truck. Guys around town loved the look, and since it has become too popular for me to put it back on my new truck.

Total cost for the Herculiner was about $150, that was with media for the blaster as well, First I washed everything, then blasted it with a rough grit media (Black Diamond Stuff), then cleaned everything up with Xylene, and then painted it all...3 times. Never flaked, chipped, or rusted, and it looked as good as Line-X.

 

I installed Dee Zee, diamond-plate running boards on my '03. It, not only protects the paint but, aids in getting in & out of the truck. A lot of 'bang for your buck', in my opinion.

Joe F.(Buffalo)

 

I did both flares and flaps. Before I did the flaps I noticed that the front tires were throwing rocks at the rear flares and in turn were pitting up the front of the flares.

 

That's what is happening with mine. I've got flares, but in reality I don't think they help a ton. I've still got all kinds of rock chips behind my tires in the back. Flares and flaps work the best, but not all trucks can utilize both and still look decent. I guess this would be one of the times that function over looks is the best thing to do.

 

I also did the flares and added the mudflaps afterwards. The mirrors also take a beating that the flaps prevent when turning.

 

Ive been thinking of doing the same thing flare and flaps or rhinolining my truck from the body line down. I have seen a few on the interstate and I think it looks real good. just like a 2 tone paint job. and instead of washing it just spray it off with the hose and put some armorall on it and it is all shiny and clean.

 

Flares and Flaps . I have the Bushwaker pocket Style Flares and Flaps . I think they look OK and do the job .

 

Thanks for the replies gentlemen.

Sounds like a combination of the two might be the best option!

 

I installed both flares and mud flaps. I have the H2 wheels with 315-70-17 BFG's, they stuch out a little over an inch, so I got the factory Power Wagon flares, perfect fit with both the truck and the added tire distance, and they are pre-drilled to the factory holes. The combo has done a nice job protecting the rocker panels.

CD